Today we are checking out a tiny yet very powerful Nettop computer from Asrock, known as the Core 100HT. This computer has a volume of just 2.5 liters, though despite this it can accommodate a range of mobile Intel Core i3/i5 and even Core i7 processors. There is also a huge range of impressive features on offer, such as USB 3.0, making this one of the most impressive HTPC to date...

Not so long ago Asrock released a new product series based on a range of Mini PCs. To date I have already played with the “Ion 330HT-BD” model which coupled the Intel Dual Core Atom 330 processor with the Nvidia Ion GPU, which was surprisingly capable of full HD 1080p playback without any issues what so ever.

Pricing for this incredible little computer was very reasonable, with the base unit priced at just $350 US, while the more upscale model, with features such as the MCE remote controller, WiFi 802.11n and more, cost $440 US. Finally there was also a version featuring a Blu-ray drive, costing about $500 US, which was starting to get up there.

The Asrock Ion 330 series was announced on November 2nd, 2009, more than half a year ago now. However in that time little has changed in terms of the hardware that can be squeezed into one of these compact 19x19 cm (7x7 in) computers. The Atom 330 is still one of the best embedded dual-core processors available, while the Nvidia Ion remains the best chipset for the job in our opinion.

So then what does the newly released Asrock Core 100HT have to offer? Rather than using Netbook hardware for the Core 100HT, Asrock has employed Laptop hardware instead. By utilizing a motherboard with the mobile Intel HM55 chipset, this Nettop can be equipped with any Intel Core i7/i5/i3 (Arrandale) mobile processor, which really opens up the possibilities for this bite size computer.

The Intel Atom 330 processor of the Asrock Ion 330 could easily be considered gutless, as even the affordable Core i3 330M processor for example, is a power house in comparison. Those looking for serious power in a small foot print will seek out something such as the Core i7 620M, which features four cores operating at 2.66GHz supporting Turbo Mode along with a 4MB L2 cache. Although this is a far cry from the desktop equivalent, it will still hold its own in most showdowns.

Apart from just offering loads more horse power, the Core 100HT has a few other new tricks up its sleeve. For example this is said to be the world’s first HTPC (Home Theater Personal Computer) to feature USB 3.0, which is a much welcomed addition. Also supported is HDMI Audio Pass Through (Bitstream) and Native Dolby TrueHD & DTS-HD Master Audio for a terrific sound experience. But before we show you more of the Core 100HT, we will go down the memory lane with a brief summary of the Mini-ITX form factor history.

Posted on: 06/23/2010 10:09 AM
nice indepth review and what can I say? I want one

ProX

Posted on: 06/23/2010 10:41 AM
Now that's cool a real Mini-ITX system. Powerful but also low powered and quiet, I like it.

JustBecause

Posted on: 06/23/2010 10:23 PM
This thing is great. Do you know when it will go on sale? Thanks for the review and good work as always.

Richie

Posted on: 06/24/2010 09:41 AM
I agree this thing rocks!!! I would love to see how it goes with a Core i7 CPU.

Bowser

Posted on: 07/12/2010 03:21 AM
I have the original version and it is still going strong but I have to say the extra horse power is much needed!

Chootia

Posted on: 07/21/2010 10:11 PM
This is awesome ... sooo compact. Still they dont want to start making these to much more expensive or you might as well buy a laptop and get the screen as well.

stevephillips79

Posts: 2
Joined: 2010-08-27

Posted on: 08/27/2010 05:57 AM
hi,the asrock core 100ht nettop its now powerful but also low powered and quiet, I like it till i dont want to buy a laptop and get the screen. thanks.

ProX

Posted on: 09/02/2010 01:13 PM
Who said $350 US? The review said they expect them to be at least $650 US in barebone form. They reviewed these before they came out.

ThaDraGun

Posts: 2
Joined: 2010-09-01

Posted on: 09/03/2010 03:38 AM
"Pricing for this incredible little computer was very reasonable, with the base unit priced at just $350 US, while the more upscale model, with features such as the MCE remote controller, WiFi 802.11n and more, cost $440 US. Finally there was also a version featuring a Blu-ray drive, costing about $500 US, which was starting to get up there."

I guess they must be talking about the Asrock Ion 330 eh.

I really wish the 100HT was a little cheaper. Or at least available at more stores. Soon I hope.

ThaDraGun

Posts: 2
Joined: 2010-09-01

Posted on: 09/02/2010 03:56 AM
$350 US? Where?? I've been looking everywhere online for this thing and I can't find that price anywhere. I've found only 2 sites that sell this and they are both $750 for barebone!!